Taiwan protesters demand justice for dead corporal

TAIPEI – Thousands of protesters rallied in Taipei Saturday to demand justice for a corporal who died after allegedly being abused in the military, in a case that sparked anger across Taiwan.

Demonstrators, holding placards reading “Murder” and “We want the truth”, gathered outside the defense ministry two weeks after Hung Chung-chiu died of heatstroke apparently caused by being forced to exercise excessively.

Several sang songs mocking the military while others made a show of drinking bottled water — a reference to the fact Hung’s superiors reportedly refused to give him water despite his repeated requests.

“So many people come here today to demand truth,” Hung’s uncle, Hu Shih-ho, said. “I hope President Ma Ying-jeou and defense minister Kao Hua-chu will open their eyes to see this and listen to us.”

Taiwan’s defense ministry has apologized for Hung’s death and military prosecutors are investigating the cause of his death.

“I apologize to you all,” vice defense minister Andrew Yang told the crowd before bowing briefly to them. “Please give the defence ministry a chance to correct previous mistakes and clarify the truth.”

Organizers said more than 10,000 had turned out while police estimates were not immediately available.

Local media reported that Hung was at odds with his superiors for making complaints against them and that he had been placed in solitary confinement for taking a smartphone onto the army base.

He died just three days before he was due to be discharged following completion of his compulsory year-long military service.

Four military officials have been detained by authorities on abuse charges, while punitive measures have been placed on 26 other staff members.

The island’s watchdog responsible for monitoring other parts of government The Control Yuan has announced an in-depth probe into alleged bullying in the military.